A masterplan which will serve to ensure that a more homogenous approach is adopted by outdoor catering areas along the promenade of Marsalforn in Gozo has been approved by the Planning Authority. The approved masterplan sets out the layout and the preferred options of design furnishings associated with the placing of the tables, chairs and canopies in this area.
The policy for outdoor catering areas on public open spaces which was published in July 2016 had encouraged that masterplans are created in areas where a significant number of outlets offer outdoor catering facilities.
The Marsalforn promenade masterplan which includes Triq il-Port, Triq il-Forn, Triq San Guzepp, Triq ir-Rabat and Misrah Sir Michelangelo Refalo allocates approximately 12,850m2 of land for the placing of outdoor tables and chairs associated with the bars, restaurants and other catering outlets in the area.
The masterplan will also serve to ensure that any proposed tables and chairs along the promenade will not conflict with other land uses, namely the residential areas, the pedestrian areas along Triq il-Port and the fishermen's zone in the Menqa Area.
Although shading devices will be permitted, a catering establishment will have to choose from four available options. The types of chairs and tables will have a contemporary design and compliment the type of shading devices.
The masterplan which was submitted by the Ministry for Gozo also promotes the pedestrianisation of the whole promenade. The streets are to be paved in porfido/lava. Vehicles will only be allowed to enter the pedestrianised area to render a service within stipulated time frame.
Individual owners and operators of catering establishments in the Masterplan area can now apply with the authorities to occupy the areas indicated within the plan with the full knowledge that these sites have already been approved in principle for this particular use.